Okay so we all know sugar is bad for your waistline.... but how is it effecting your skin? Sugar of course has an effect on our heart health and is the leading cause in obesity, so we decided it was time to also look into the effects it has on beauty ... and the results aren’t pretty. The Green Room experts are here to give you the lowdown on what exactly sugar does to your skin and what you can do about it!

Why is Sugar Bad For Your Skin?

Let’s go back to the basics, when you eat sugar or high-glycemic foods that quickly convert to sugar, whether it’s an apple or a cupcake, the body then breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which then raises your insulin levels. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, soda and white bread, cause your insulin levels to spike, which causes a burst of inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, thus resulting in loose skin and wrinkles. When sugar is digested it attaches itself to the collagen in your skin, this is a process known as glycation. Glycation can also cause skin conditions like acne and rosacea.

Glycemic index, the scale which determines how quickly blood sugar levels rise after ingesting particular foods, is key to making the right choices for your skin when it comes to sugar!

Sugar You Shouldn’t Eat!

Simple carbohydrates are the skin’s enemy! These carbohydrates quickly break down into glucose and result in insulin spikes. Avoiding food that are proinflammatory, high-glycemic or high in saturated fats like: white bread, candy, fried food, ice cream, fruit juice, pasta, ketchup, sugar (white and brown), are a must in maintaining healthy skin!

Sugar You Should Eat!

When given the choice always opt for complex carbohydrates, like brown rice and vegetables, which are broken down into glucose at a slower rate, thus not causing a insulin spike. Eating Low-glycemic options, like beans, nuts and whole grains, help control blood sugar levels as well. Do your best to follow an anti-inflammatory diet of healthy fats (like coconut oil and avocados), lean protein (like salmon), fiber (like broccoli and cauliflower) and antioxidants (like berries) if you want glowing, youthful skin, oh and of course DRINK DRINK DRINK YOUR WATER!!